State Rep. Demmer announces run for Congress against Walz

Rep. Randy Demmer
State Rep. Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, announced his intention to run against U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. Walz represents the 1st District, which runs the length of the state's southern border.
MPR Photo/Curtis Gilbert

State Rep. Randy Demmer says he'll once again run for Congress in Minnesota's 1st District.

Demmer announced his candidacy today Tuesday for the seat held by Democrat Tim Walz. The Republican from Hayfield also ran in 2008 but lost his bid for the GOP endorsement.

Demmer says he's disturbed and upset with the direction of Congress and what he sees as the expansion of government.

"I think we're in a period of unsustainable government growth, the likes of which we've never seen," Demmer said. "I'm very concerned about today and I'm very concerned about the future and I feel that I have an opportunity and or an obligation to step in and do something."

Demmer says his focus is on the Congressional race and he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House. Former state Rep. Allen Quist is also seeking the Republican endorsement in the 1st District.